Department of Environmental Science and Technology Nutrient Management Planning Patricia Steinhilber Coordinator, Ag Nutrient Management Program

Department of Environmental Science and Technology Driving Force Chesapeake Bay Agreement (1987) Goal: reduce nutrient loading by 40% by 2000 −agriculture was viewed as a significant contributor to nutrients −nutrient management plans on 1.25 millions acres

Department of Environmental Science and Technology New Initiative new program and new staff −funded by Maryland Department of Agriculture −focused on 14 counties with significant animal production formulated the idea of an integrated nutrient management plan promote development of nutrient management plans

Department of Environmental Science and Technology The simple message! soil tests manure analysis field-specific nutrient recommendations

Department of Environmental Science and Technology Expansion in 1992 additional advisors −federal funds −all counties had some planning efforts nutrient management law −codified process to certify nutrient management consultants −codified contents of nutrient management plans

Department of Environmental Science and Technology Training and Technical Support pre-exam training continuing education – “CE” (12 hours every 3 years) Extension specialists provide most of pre-exam & CE training

Department of Environmental Science and Technology Pfeisteria crisis start of private sector planning

Department of Environmental Science and Technology Nutrient Management in 1997 & 1998 water quality-related fish kills in 1997 Water Quality Improvement Act (WQIA) of 1998 −made nutrient management plans for most ag producers mandatory −required focus on nitrogen & phosphorus in plans

Department of Environmental Science and Technology 2003 – Certified Farm Operators (CFOs) law amended to allow farmers to write own plan focused training was developed new track of CE and technical support was put in place

Department of Environmental Science and Technology Publications and Outreach website publication series for both certified farmers and certified consultants annual report highlights nutrient-related activities across the College

Department of Environmental Science and Technology UME Contributions In FY 11, Extension nutrient management advisors developed plans for 45% of the total acreage planned CE −1,227 certified nutrient management consultants −449 certified farmers website and publications to clients up-to-date

Department of Environmental Science and Technology